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Do you need planning permission to change windows in apartments?

  • 13-12-2018 08:14AM
    #1
    Dinarius
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,464 ✭✭✭


    We live in a small block of only 4 apartments.


    Collectively, we are considering replacing the existing single-glazed windows with, either, replacement glass or entirely new windows.


    Is planning permission required for this? (They would be at the front of the building.)


    Thanks.


    D.


Comments

  • #2
    Muttley79
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 334 ✭✭Muttley79


    No you don't need planning permission if your only replacing them.if you were to change the size of the windows in further making the opes bigger or smaller then I'd imagine you would.


  • #3
    Peregrinus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 28,401 ✭✭✭✭Peregrinus


    You need planning permission unless the work is an "exempted development".

    There are many classes of exempted development but window renewal/replacement is not, in itself, an exempted development. However there might be some mileage in Planning and Development Act 2000 s. 4(1)(h), under which . . .
    development consisting of the carrying out of works for the maintenance, improvement or other alteration of any structure, being works which affect only the interior of the structure or which do not materially affect the external appearance of the structure so as to render the appearance inconsistent with the character of the structure or of neighbouring structures
    . . . is an exempted development.

    Windown renewal/replacement definitely counts as maintenance or improvement of the building. The question is whether the work you do will "materially affect the external appearance" of your building in a way that may be incongruous either with respect to the building itself, or with respect to neighbouring buildings.

    Windows and windowframes do have a very significant effect on the appearance of a building. If the new windows are going to look identical to the old ones, I don't see that you have a problem. But if they look different - heavier or lighter frames, different arrangement of panes and glazing bars, different material or colour, anything - then you need to think carefully about whether anybody - your neighbours, the local authority planning dept, anybody - might take the view that this is "inconsistent" with the character of your building or its neighbours. If in doubt, talk to the planning office.


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